Boyd has wealth of weapons

October 03, 2012|Reuters

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: Finally. That was probably the sentiment of Swinney when the Clemson defense stepped up in the second half at Boston College, holding the Eagles to 164 yards and four consecutive three-and-outs during one third-quarter stretch. Although the Tigers still aren't world beaters (they rank 87th nationally in total defense), the youthful unit has performed fairly well under pressure. Clemson has allowed 12 scores in 17 red-zone possessions, but only seven of the 12 have been touchdowns. And in terms of third-down conversions, Clemson's defense has allowed only 22 of 71 conversions, just 31 percent, which ranks third best in the ACC. LBs Tig Willard and Stephone Anthony have emerged as the Tigers' most reliable tacklers and the emergence of CB Garry Peters has added much-needed depth in the secondary.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "If we made a highlight film of the plays he's made in practice, you wouldn't believe it." -- Clemson coach Dabo Swinney on junior WR DeAndre Hopkins.

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NCAAF Team Report - Clemson - STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

THIS WEEK'S GAME: Georgia Tech at Clemson, Oct. 6 -- Clemson's players say they are due some redemption against Tech, which unceremoniously dumped the Tigers 31-17 last season in Atlanta, ending Clemson's 8-0 start to the season. "They spoiled it for us last year," senior C Dalton Freeman said. "It definitely has become a rivalry. It gets more and more personal each time we play these guys." Last season wasn't the only time Tech has played spoiler against Clemson -- the Yellow Jackets have won four of the last five games between the teams, handing the Tigers their first defeat of the season on three occasions. This year's game has a similar setting; Clemson is ranked No. 15 while Georgia Tech is unranked, but with its back to the wall. "I'm sure we'll get their best shot," Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said.

KEYS TO THE GAME: The key for Clemson is simple -- stop, or at least slow, Georgia Tech's triple-option rushing attack. That has proven considerably challenging for Clemson in recent years, as the Yellow Jackets have averaged 283 yards rushing in their last five games against the Tigers. "Don't eat the cheese," said Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables, referring to the discipline necessary to successfully defend the triple option. "The cheese is dangerous -- it's a trap." Last season, Tevin Washington ripped Clemson for 176 yards, a school-record total for a Tech quarterback, so he'll be a primary concern this time around.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

DE Malliciah Goodman -- If Clemson's defense is to have success slowing Georgia Tech's triple-option attack, it will have to get a big game from Goodman, who hasn't exactly played up to his preseason billing. Goodman says he's well-aware of the discipline required to tackle Tech; now he has to go out and prove it.

WR Sammy Watkins -- Watkins has played in just two of five games this season, so he's itching for a breakout performance. It could come against Georgia Tech, a team he burned for 153 yards and a touchdown on nine catches a year ago.

TE Brandon Ford -- Ford is rounding into impressive form, showing that he's capable of not only blocking but also of replacing Dwayne Allen as a serious receiving threat. Ford has caught at least one touchdown pass in three consecutive games; if he catches a TD pass against Georgia Tech, he'll break the school record for consecutive games with a TD catch by a tight end set by Allen last year.

ROSTER REPORT

--WR Martavis Bryant, who missed the Boston College game with a groin injury, is out for the Georgia Tech game on Oct. 6.

--C Dalton Freeman, who aggravated a thumb injury against Boston College, is expected to play against Georgia Tech.

--WR Sammy Watkins, who missed the Boston College game with a virus, is expected to return against Georgia Tech.

--OG Kalon Davis is questionable for Saturday after suffering a pulled hamstring against Boston College.